The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs:
What he can do
– Athletic freak who blew up the NFL Scouting Combine; posted historic marks in the 40-yard dash (4.85 seconds), vertical leap (36.5 inches) and broad jump (10-1)
– Possesses ideal size for offensive tackle; stands at 6-5, 320 with 34-inch arms
– In 2017, became the only true freshman to start at offensive tackle during the Kirk Ferentz era (1999-present)
– Despite being young (just turned 21 in January), boasts plenty of experience in his three seasons at Iowa; logged a combined 2,195 offensive snaps
– Was named the Big Ten’s Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2019; selected as an Associated Press Second-team All-American and First-team All-Big Ten
– Performed the hang clean at 450 pounds for four reps, an Iowa program record previously held by current Washington Redskins Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 draft
– According to Pro Football Focus, allowed just seven quarterback pressures on 461 pass-blocking snaps last season
– Probably a better run blocker than pass protector at this stage in his career
– Shows above-average play strength but will need refined technique in pass protection, particularly when it comes to his kick slide; too often he exposes himself with a narrow base
– Quick out of his stance in the run game; drives off the ball and finishes through the whistle
– Displays a powerful first punch that neutralizes pass-rushers; shows excellent lateral quickness to mirror pass-rushers; nimble feet make his movements look effortless
– Occasionally over-sets in both pass protection and run blocking; lunges forward giving up leverage, or sometimes misses his assignment completely
– Played in a pro-style offense in college, which should make transitioning to the NFL easier
– Primarily played right tackle but started at left tackle for three games when starter Alaric Jackson went down in Week 1
– Some believe Wirfs could be a dominant guard in the NFL, but his body composition, athletic traits and experience suggest he could still succeed on an island at tackle
How he fits
The Packers let right tackle Bryan Bulaga walk this offseason and signed veteran Rick Wagner to a two-year contract. It’s unlikely Wagner is the long-term answer at the right tackle position, which makes Wirfs a perfect candidate to step in eventually. It’s also possible Wirfs would have a chance to beat Wagner outright in training camp. Either way, the former Hawkeye comes readily equipped with the tools to succeed on Day 1. He has experience working in NFL schemes and has the strength and athleticism to hold up against NFL-caliber defensive linemen.
NFL comp
Oddly enough, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Wirfs to Bryan Bulaga. Both were from Iowa, compare favorably in terms of body composition, and came into the league having just turned 21 years old. Wirfs is far more athletic, but each has a similar playstyle in pass protection.
Where Packers could get him
It’ll probably take a trade up into the top 15 picks to select Wirfs, but if he somehow falls past the Cleveland Browns at pick No. 10, the Packers may want to start exploring a trade. Wirfs is a world-class athlete for his size, and his ceiling as a player is limitless. It’s worth noting that Brian Gutekunst has traded up in the first round in each of his first two drafts as general manager. In 2018, the Packers traded up from No. 27 to No. 18, and in 2019 traded up from No. 30 to No. 21.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay
OT Ezra Cleveland
WR Van Jefferson
OT Andrew Thomas
S Grant Delpit
TE Cole Kmet